With a buzzing city to explore, plenty of top-class restaurants and miles of gorgeous coastline, Los Angeles is the perfect blend of city and beach.
Destination highlights
World-famous beaches
Long, hot summers
Trendy eats and nightlife
Welcoming to people from all walks of life
What are the best beaches in the Los Angeles?
You don’t need to travel far from the hustle and bustle of an LA city break before you find the ocean. There are 15 beaches across the county where you can mingle with the glamorous locals, catch a wave, or relax on the sands. Here are some of the best:
Santa Monica State Beach – Chances are you’ve heard of this sociable beach, and it’s the best place to people-watch the glamorous locals (known as Angelenos!).
Mother’s Beach – One of the best for your family holidays to Los Angeles, with safe, shallow waters and a great playground.
Venice Beach - A bohemian favourite with many quirky stalls and performers, all accessible by boardwalk.
El Matador State Beach - Dramatic waves and stunning views make this beach perfect for a romantic day out.
Carbon Beach - Experience a luxury lifestyle at this secluded location that backs onto fabulous houses, earning it the nickname ‘Billionaire’s Beach’
Surfrider Beach - The name speaks for itself, this really is an amazing spot to catch a wave with the local surfers.
What are the top hotels in Los Angeles?
There are fab options for your stay across the whole county, whether you’re keen to get the full downtown experience or keep as close to the coast as possible. Check out a few here:
Queen Mary Hotel - A rare opportunity to spend your nights on a historical ship, moored right next to the beautiful Long Beach.
Beverly Hilton - This luxurious hotel will put you right in the heart of star-studded Beverly Hills.
The Portofino Hotel & Marina - Take in stunning ocean views at this waterfront haven for all kinds of travellers.
The Normandie Hotel - An artsy boutique vibe makes the Normandie an ideal backdrop for pics to show off your Los Angeles holiday.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach - Family-friendly beachfront hotel with water playparks, also a top pick for guests with access needs.
Popular Los Angeles hotels
Stunning Los Angeles resorts
Weather in Los Angeles
JAN
20°C
FEB
20°C
MAR
21°C
APR
22°C
MAY
23°C
JUN
25°C
JUL
28°C
AUG
29°C
SEP
28°C
OCT
26°C
NOV
23°C
DEC
20°C
Benefitting from mild winters and hot summers, Los Angeles is a great year-round destination. With an average temperature of 14°C in December and 22°C in August, a trip to LA can be the perfect start, middle, or end to the year.
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Reviews
At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers on Los Angeles Holidays for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.
FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Los Angeles?
It takes around 11 and a half hours to fly to Los Angeles from the UK.
What's the time difference between the UK and Los Angeles?
The local time in Los Angeles is seven hours behind the UK.
What language do they speak in Los Angeles?
The official language spoken in Los Angeles is English.
What currency do they use in Los Angeles?
The official currency used in Los Angeles is the US Dollar.
Go house-hunting
If you’ve always longed for a taste of the high life, hop on a Hollywood Tour bus. Your guide will take you through some of the glitziest neighbourhoods, and you’ll find out just how fancy your favourite celebrity’s house really is.
Lights, camera, action!
The city has film festivals practically every month of the year, so even if you’re booking a last-minute holiday to Los Angeles you can count on finding one. The events span every genre from big-budget comedies to local indie flicks.
Make magical memories
You’ll be close to the Universal Studios theme park complex in Hollywood, where you can ride some adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters. Best of all, it’s home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We’d say it’s great for the kids, but we’re all still waiting for that Hogwarts letter!
Learn from the best
As the surf capital of the USA, Los Angeles is the best place to get expert coaching. Santa Monica and Venice have loads of options if you’re happy to show off, or head to El Porto if you’d prefer to start small.
What events can I go to in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles may translate to ‘City of Angels’, but it could just as well be called the city of celebrations! Angelenos love to throw a party for any occasion, from the high glamour of awards ceremonies to the kooky fun of community festivals. Here’s a variety to look out for:
dineLA Restaurant Week (January) - 350 restaurants across the city offer fixed-price menus, so this is a great chance to try posh nosh at affordable prices.
Academy Awards (February) - Beat the crowds and you can get up close with the biggest stars as they walk the Oscars red carpet.
Los Angeles Marathon (March) - Not your average race! Over 20,000 runners and wheelchair-users take to the streets, surrounded by cheerleaders and street performers.
Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire (April) - If you like the sound of dressing up in medieval clothes and getting stuck into historical dance and music, this huge event is right up your street.
Pasadena Chalk Festival - A two-day event where artists create mind-boggling chalk art on the plaza, and kids can join in too. It’s also free, ideal if you’re aiming for a cheaper holiday experience in Los Angeles.
LA Pride (June) - Book early to attend the USA’s biggest Pride event, with the famous colourful parade and live performances every day.
US Open of Surfing (July/August) - Another record-breaker, this is the world’s largest surfing competition where you’ll see the ultimate pros hit the waves.
Fiesta Hermosa Arts & Crafts Fair (September) - Over 400 arts stalls plus live music and fresh food, seconds from the beach.
Halloween Carnaval (October) - An enormous costume party for all ages roams through the Hollywood streets, with competitions, live music, and drag performances.
USC vs UCLA American Football (around November) - For sports fans wanting the real USA experience, this annual game between rival college teams is one of the most eagerly awaited of the season.
LA County Holiday Celebration (December) - This Christmas Eve festival is dedicated to showing all of the festive cultural traditions held by the diverse LA residents. Experience seasonal music, art, and partying like you’ve never seen before.
Where is the best nightlife in Los Angeles?
With the city’s reputation for partying, your beach holidays to Los Angeles can easily switch between calm afternoons by the sea and dancing in superclubs. Hollywood is nightlife-central, with West Hollywood being home to some of the world’s biggest LGBTQ+ venues. There are plenty more chilled options for beachy evenings too.
Avalon, Hollywood - One of LA’s oldest dance music venues, hosting world-class DJs until 6am for the hardcore party people.
Sound, Hollywood - This lively club is the best place for electronic music fans to discover underground acts.
Micky’s, West Hollywood - Micky’s is the heart of the local gay scene, with party nights and famous drag acts.
No Vacancy, Hollywood - For fans of the weird and wonderful, this atmospheric bar has great cocktails and cabaret acts late into the night.
The Bungalow, Santa Monica - Moments away from the beach you’ll find this eccentric little place, where you can watch the sunset by a fire pit and hang with the locals.
What’s the food like in Los Angeles?
You already know the USA’s classic dishes, but have you tried these local delicacies?
French Dip Sandwich - Your choice of meats and cheeses piled high on a French baguette dipped in gravy.
Tacos - The influence of nearby Mexico means that LA is full of amazing and creative taco options.
Ricotta Toast - A fancy take on the classic cheese on toast, perfect for brunching.
Local wine - California is America’s biggest and best wine producer, so don’t miss the opportunity to get a taste while you’re here.
The LA food scene is a tale of two halves, with jumbo hot dogs and burgers on one side, and world-leading vegan food on the other. Try these spots for the real experience:
Spago, Beverly Hills - A fine dining hotspot beloved by chefs and celebs, with excellent hand-rolled pasta.
Pink’s Hot Dogs, Hollywood - A diner with local legend status, with a choice of over 30 hotdogs loaded with delicious toppings.
Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe, Santa Monica - The best of burgers, right under the pier on Santa Monica State Beach.
Monty's Good Burger, several locations - a chain across LA, serving plant-based versions all of your fast food faves.
Crossroads Kitchen, Melrose -An elegant place to splash out on vegan fine dining.
Key facts about Los Angeles
Flight Time
11.5 hrs
Time Difference
-7 hrs
Currency
US Dollar
Language
English
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Los Angeles?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Los Angeles?
All lodgings in California charge a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) to guests staying in hotels and motels. The cost may vary depending on region and hotel.
Do I need a visa to visit Los Angeles?
British passport holders will need to apply for an ESTA before travelling to Los Angeles, which should allow you to stay in the United States of America for up to 90 days.
Will COVID-19 affect my holiday to Los Angeles?
We are currently closely following the COVID-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to the USA on the FCDO website.
